Release of Liability Waiver (Australia)
IMPORTANT — PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SIGNING
THIS DOCUMENT IS A LEGALLY BINDING WAIVER AND RELEASE OF LIABILITY. BY SIGNING THIS DOCUMENT YOU ARE GIVING UP SIGNIFICANT LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOR INJURY, ILLNESS, DEATH, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE ARISING FROM YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITY DESCRIBED BELOW. DO NOT SIGN THIS DOCUMENT IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND IT OR IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO ITS TERMS. SEEK INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE BEFORE SIGNING IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT.
RELEASE OF LIABILITY WAIVER AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK
1. PARTIES
Organiser (Releasee): [Organiser Name] [Organiser ABN/ACN], of [Organiser Address] (the "Organiser").
Participant (Releasor): [Participant Name], date of birth [Participant DOB], of [Participant Address], phone [Participant Phone], email [Participant Email] (the "Participant").
2. EVENT OR ACTIVITY
The Participant wishes to participate in the following event or activity: [Event Name] — [Event Description].
Date: [Event Date]. Location: [Event Location].
3. AUSTRALIAN CONSUMER LAW — LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
3.1 The Participant acknowledges that the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)) provides consumer guarantees that may apply to the supply of this event or activity as a service. Nothing in this Waiver excludes, restricts, or modifies any consumer guarantee, right, or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law, including under sections 60 to 62 of the Australian Consumer Law.
3.2 To the maximum extent permitted by section 64A of the Australian Consumer Law, where the Organiser's liability for a breach of a consumer guarantee can be limited, that liability is limited (at the Organiser's election) to: (a) the resupply of the services; or (b) the payment of the cost of having the services resupplied.
3.3 Nothing in this Waiver is intended to exclude liability for death or personal injury arising from the reckless conduct or gross negligence of the Organiser or its representatives, to the extent that such exclusion is not permitted under the Civil Liability Act applicable in [Governing State] or any other applicable law.
4. VOLUNTARY ASSUMPTION OF RISK
4.1 The Participant acknowledges that the Event involves recreational and physical activities that carry inherent risks and dangers that cannot be eliminated by the exercise of reasonable care, including but not limited to: [Specific Risks].
4.2 The Participant has been clearly and specifically warned of the risks described in clause 5.1 and any additional risks that may be obvious in the circumstances of the Event.
4.3 The Participant voluntarily and freely chooses to participate in the Event and assumes all risks associated with participation, including risks arising from: (a) the inherent nature of the Event; (b) the Participant's own acts or omissions; (c) the acts or omissions of other participants; (d) variations in weather, terrain, water, or environmental conditions; (e) equipment failure despite proper maintenance; and (f) the negligence (but not reckless conduct) of the Organiser or its representatives.
4.4 The Participant confirms that they are physically fit, medically able, and appropriately skilled to undertake the Event, that they have not been advised by a medical practitioner to avoid activities of this type, and that they will immediately notify the Organiser of any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, medications, or physical limitations before the Event commences.
5. RELEASE, WAIVER, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE
5.1 To the maximum extent permitted by law, and in consideration of the Organiser permitting the Participant to participate in the Event, the Participant — for and on behalf of themselves, their heirs, executors, administrators, legal personal representatives, and assigns — hereby: (a) releases, acquits, and forever discharges the Organiser and its officers, directors, employees, contractors, agents, volunteers, sponsors, related bodies corporate, successors, and assigns (collectively the "Released Parties") from all actions, suits, claims, demands, proceedings, damages, costs, losses, and causes of action of any nature whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the Participant's participation in the Event, including claims arising from the ordinary negligence of the Released Parties; (b) waives any and all claims the Participant has or may have against the Released Parties; and (c) covenants not to commence, maintain, or prosecute any action, claim, or proceeding against any of the Released Parties in respect of any matter released under this Waiver.
5.2 The release and waiver in clause 6.1 extends to claims arising from ordinary negligence in connection with the Event but does NOT extend to liability for death or personal injury caused by the reckless conduct or gross negligence of the Released Parties.
5.3 The Participant acknowledges that they have had a full and proper opportunity to read and understand this Waiver before signing, that they have had the opportunity to seek independent legal advice, and that they sign this Waiver freely and voluntarily.
6. COMPLIANCE WITH RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS
6.1 The Participant agrees to comply with all rules, safety guidelines, and instructions issued by the Organiser and its representatives before and during the Event.
6.2 The Participant acknowledges that failure to comply with the Organiser's instructions or safety guidelines may amount to contributory negligence under the Civil Liability Act applicable in [Governing State], and may reduce or extinguish any claim the Participant may otherwise have.
6.3 The Organiser reserves the right to exclude the Participant from the Event at any time and without refund if the Participant fails to comply with reasonable instructions or poses a safety risk to themselves or others.
7. EMERGENCY CONTACT
Emergency contact: [Emergency Contact Name] ([Emergency Contact Relationship]), phone [Emergency Contact Phone]. In the event of an emergency involving the Participant, the Organiser and its representatives are authorised to contact this person.
8. GENERAL
8.1 This Waiver is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Governing State], Australia, and applicable federal law including the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth).
8.2 If any provision of this Waiver is held to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, the remaining provisions continue in full force and effect.
8.3 This Waiver constitutes the entire agreement between the Participant and the Organiser in relation to the Participant's participation in the Event, and supersedes all prior representations and understandings.
PARTICIPANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND SIGNATURE
I, [Participant Name], confirm that I have read and understood the terms of this Waiver, that I have had the opportunity to seek independent legal advice, and that I sign this Waiver freely and voluntarily.
Signature: ___________________________
Full name: [Participant Name]
Date: ___________________________
ORGANISER REPRESENTATIVE:
Name: ___________________________
Signature: ___________________________
Date: ___________________________
Participant
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
Organiser Representative
________________
Signature
Date: ________________
What Is a Release of Liability Waiver (Australia)?
A Release of Liability Waiver in Australia releases one party from liability for specified risks or claims in exchange for participation or settlement, enforceable so far as permitted by the Australian Consumer Law (Competition and Consumer Act 2010, Schedule 2). It identifies the released party, the claims or liabilities given up, and the activity or settlement it covers.
The Australia Release of Liability Waiver (Australia) waiver is governed by the Australian Consumer Law (ACL, Schedule 2 to the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)), the applicable state or territory Civil Liability Act, and the recreational services exception under section 139A of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth). The ACL provides that suppliers cannot exclude consumer guarantees (including the guarantee under s 60 that services be provided with due care and skill), but section 139A creates an exception allowing suppliers of recreational services to exclude liability for death or personal injury — provided the required statutory warning is given to the participant before the service is supplied.
State and territory Civil Liability Acts further limit liability for harm from 'obvious risks' of 'dangerous recreational activities'. Under sections 5L and 5M of the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW), a supplier is not liable in negligence for harm resulting from an obvious risk of a dangerous recreational activity, and not liable where a warning was given before the activity. Similar provisions apply in Victoria (Wrongs Act 1958 (Vic) s 53), Queensland (Civil Liability Act 2003 (Qld) ss 13–19), and other states.
A well-drafted event waiver — with specific risk disclosure, the section 139A warning, and participant acknowledgment — provides significant legal protection for event organisers, sports clubs, adventure operators, schools, community groups, and charitable organisations throughout Australia.
The legal framework governing the Release of Liability Waiver (Australia) in Australia draws on several key statutes and regulatory bodies. Under Australian law, the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) govern personal data in this document. The Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2, Competition and Consumer Act 2010) provides consumer guarantees under Sections 51-54. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has jurisdiction over family law matters under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) handles consumer financial disputes. State and territory Magistrates Courts handle small civil claims. Parties executing a Release of Liability Waiver (Australia) in Australia should confirm the document reflects current law, including any amendments enacted since the original drafting date. The Australian Consumer Law (Competition and Consumer Act 2010, Schedule 2) sets the foundational requirements.
When Do You Need a Release of Liability Waiver (Australia)?
A Release of Liability Waiver for events and activities is needed whenever an organiser, club, school, business, or charity permits members of the public or members to participate in a specific event or activity that carries inherent risks of injury or property damage.
Common uses include: sporting events such as fun runs, cycling events, triathlons, obstacle courses, and contact sports competitions; adventure and outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, rock climbing, abseiling, surfing, skiing, scuba diving, and bungee jumping; community and charity events such as fetes, festivals, and fundraising events involving physical activities; school excursions and camps involving sport or physical activity; corporate team-building events involving physical challenges; fitness and wellness events such as boot camps, yoga retreats, and outdoor fitness classes; water sports and aquatic activities; motor sports and related events; and combat sports, martial arts, and contact sports competitions.
The waiver is appropriate for one-off events and periodic activities where a specific, event-focused waiver is more appropriate than a general ongoing service waiver. It is particularly important for activities that carry significant risks of physical injury, as the stakes are higher for the organiser if a participant is injured and attempts to bring a claim.
Event organisers including not-for-profit organisations, incorporated associations, sports clubs, schools, and community groups should obtain waivers from participants before each event or activity, keep the signed waivers on file, and confirm that minors are accompanied by a parent or guardian who also signs the waiver.
Parties in Australia should prepare a Release of Liability Waiver (Australia) proactively rather than waiting for a dispute to arise. Courts interpret agreements based on the written terms rather than oral representations. Under Australian law, the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) govern personal data in this document. The Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2, Competition and Consumer Act 2010) provides consumer guarantees under Sections 51-54. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has jurisdiction over family law matters under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) handles consumer financial disputes. State and territory Magistrates Courts handle small civil claims. Where the transaction involves regulated activities, prior approval from the relevant authority may be required before execution.
What to Include in Your Release of Liability Waiver (Australia)
An effective Australian event Release of Liability Waiver must contain several key elements.
Party identification: the full legal name, ABN or ACN (if applicable), and address of the organiser (Releasee); and the full name, date of birth, address, phone, and email of the participant (Releasor). Precise identification is important for enforceability and for record-keeping.
Event description: the specific name, description, date, and location of the event or activity. The description should be detailed enough to identify all relevant components of the activity and the environment in which it takes place. Vague event descriptions reduce the effectiveness of the waiver.
Recreational services statutory warning: where the activity qualifies as a 'recreational service' under section 139A of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), the prescribed warning must be included. This warning is essential to rely on the section 139A exception to the consumer guarantee provisions of the Australian Consumer Law.
ACL limitation notice: a statement that the waiver does not exclude consumer guarantees that cannot lawfully be excluded, and that where liability can be limited under section 64A ACL, it is limited to resupply or cost of resupply.
Specific risk disclosure: a detailed, activity-specific list of all foreseeable risks — not generic statements. Specific risk disclosure strengthens the voluntary assumption of risk defence under the applicable Civil Liability Act and supports the section 139A warning.
Release and covenant not to sue: a broad release of all claims against the Released Parties, limited to ordinary negligence (not reckless conduct or gross negligence). Covenant not to sue is important in addition to the release.
Compliance with rules: the participant's agreement to follow the organiser's safety instructions. Emergency contact details. Optional clauses for indemnity, media consent, and emergency medical treatment authorisation. Guardian section for minor participants.
Additional compliance elements for a Release of Liability Waiver (Australia) used in Australia include: Under Australian law, the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) govern personal data in this document. The Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2, Competition and Consumer Act 2010) provides consumer guarantees under Sections 51-54. The Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia has jurisdiction over family law matters under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth). The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) handles consumer financial disputes. State and territory Magistrates Courts handle small civil claims. Forms-legal.com provides this template as a starting point for Australia-compliant documentation.
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Reference this free template in an article, syllabus, or research note:
Forms Legal. (2026). Release of Liability Waiver (Australia) (Australia) [Legal document template]. Forms Legal. https://forms-legal.com/australia/personal/releases/release-of-liability-waiver-australia
"Release of Liability Waiver (Australia) (Australia)." Forms Legal, 2026, https://forms-legal.com/australia/personal/releases/release-of-liability-waiver-australia.
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author = {{Forms Legal}},
title = {Release of Liability Waiver (Australia) (Australia)},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://forms-legal.com/australia/personal/releases/release-of-liability-waiver-australia}},
note = {Free legal document template. Based on Australian Consumer Law (Competition and Consumer Act 2010, Schedule 2)}
}Frequently Asked Questions
Liability waivers for events and activities are generally enforceable in Australia, subject to important limitations under the Australian Consumer Law and applicable state and territory Civil Liability Acts. Under section 64 of the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), a term of a contract that purports to exclude, restrict, or modify a consumer guarantee is void. This means a waiver cannot exclude the guarantee under section 60 ACL that services will be provided with due care and skill. However, section 139A of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) creates an exception for 'recreational services' — activities involving physical recreation, sport, adventure, or use of a facility for these purposes. A supplier of recreational services may exclude liability for death or personal injury caused by the supply of the service, provided a specific warning is given to the consumer before the service is supplied. The warning must state that the supplier is excluding liability for death or personal injury, and that the exclusion does not apply to reckless conduct. Additionally, the Civil Liability Acts of most Australian states contain provisions limiting or excluding liability for harm from obvious risks of dangerous recreational activities (e.g. Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) ss 5L–5O). A waiver that is clear, specific, signed by the participant before the activity, and accompanied by detailed risk disclosure has the best chance of being upheld.
The au-liability-waiver template is designed for ongoing service relationships — for example, where a gym, fitness studio, or adventure operator provides services to a customer over an extended period and requires a broad waiver covering all activities and services supplied during that relationship. This Release of Liability Waiver template is designed for specific one-off or periodic events and activities — for example, a community fun run, a guided kayaking day trip, a school excursion, a charity obstacle course, a martial arts tournament, or a corporate team-building activity. The event-specific nature of this waiver means it includes fields for the event name, date, and location, and is structured around the specific risks of the particular event or activity rather than a general ongoing relationship. Both waivers include the Australian Consumer Law notices, the recreational services statutory warning under section 139A of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), and state-specific Civil Liability Act provisions. The appropriate choice depends on whether the release is for a specific event (use this template) or for an ongoing service arrangement (use au-liability-waiver).
The Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) contains several provisions that are highly relevant to liability waivers for events and activities. Section 5L provides that a person is not liable in negligence for harm suffered by another person as a result of the materialisation of an 'obvious risk' of a 'dangerous recreational activity' engaged in by the plaintiff. An 'obvious risk' is defined in section 5F as a risk that, in the circumstances, would have been obvious to a reasonable person in the position of that person, including risks that are patent or a matter of common knowledge. A 'dangerous recreational activity' is defined in section 5K as a recreational activity that involves a significant risk of physical harm. Section 5M provides that a person is not liable in negligence for harm to another person resulting from the materialisation of a risk of a recreational activity if the risk was the subject of a warning given to the person before engaging in the activity. This means that specific, thorough risk warnings in an event waiver can provide significant protection under New South Wales law. Similar provisions apply in other states: section 53 of the Wrongs Act 1958 (Vic), sections 13–19 of the Civil Liability Act 2003 (Qld), and equivalent provisions in WA, SA, and TAS.
The enforceability of a liability waiver signed by a parent or guardian on behalf of a minor participant is uncertain under Australian law. In most Australian states and territories, the courts have not clearly established whether a parent can effectively waive a minor's right to bring a negligence claim by signing a waiver on the minor's behalf. In general, a contract entered into by a minor is voidable by the minor, which creates uncertainty about whether the minor is bound by the waiver signed on their behalf. However, a parent's signature on a waiver may have practical significance: it demonstrates that the parent was informed of the risks and consented to the child's participation, which may be relevant to questions of contributory negligence or voluntary assumption of risk. Event organisers who routinely deal with minor participants should seek specific legal advice in their state or territory about the enforceability of parental consent waivers, and consider whether additional safeguards (such as maintaining detailed risk disclosure records) are appropriate. This waiver includes a parental consent section for use when minor participants are involved, but event organisers are advised to obtain legal advice about its enforceability in their specific jurisdiction.
Section 139A of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) creates an important exception to the general rule under section 64 of the Australian Consumer Law that a supplier cannot exclude or limit consumer guarantees. Under section 139A, a supplier of 'recreational services' may, by a term of the contract for the supply of those services, exclude, restrict, or modify the supplier's liability for death or personal injury that is the result of the supply of the recreational services. 'Recreational services' is defined broadly in section 139A(5) to include activities involving physical recreation, sporting activities, or the use of a facility for physical recreation or sport, or an adventure activity, or any similar activity involving a significant degree of physical exertion or physical risk. To rely on section 139A, the supplier must give a warning to the consumer in the terms prescribed by the Australian Consumer Law Regulations 2010 (Cth). The warning must state that under the Australian Consumer Law, several conditions are implied in contracts for the supply of recreational services, and that the supplier is excluding liability for death or personal injury. Critically, the exclusion does NOT apply to liability for death or personal injury caused by 'reckless conduct' by the supplier — that is, conduct where the supplier is aware (or ought to be aware) of an unjustifiable risk of death or personal injury and unreasonably takes that risk. This template includes the section 139A warning when the activity is identified as a recreational service.
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.Full disclaimer
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